Two Blue Raiders college bound

HORSEHEADS – A pair of Blue Raiders athletes signed national letters of intent Wednesday to continue their sports careers at the next level.

Emily Doyle signed with Niagara University to play Div. I golf, while Chris Bucciarelli will play lacrosse for Div. II Adams State in Colorado.

Doyle, the current captain for the Horseheads girls golf team, had several schools to choose from.

"I was looking at Wagner, Central Conn., Albany, LeMoyne, and Queens College," Doyle said. "I chose Niagara because it was close to home, but no too close," she said. "It was important that they had my major and a really good nursing program."

As for golf, Doyle was also happy with her future team.

"I got along with the coach and had good chemistry with the team," Doyle said.

According to Horseheads golf coach Ed Browning, Doyle should make an immediate impact at Niagara.

"I think she’s going to be an immediate leader for them," Browning said. "She’s been well-prepared for this. She’s a very mature young lady.

"She’s been a team leader for years. Her work ethic will get her through anything."

Browning cited Doyle’s short game as a key to her success.

"Her wedge game is phenomenal. Inside 100 yards, she’ll put it in tighter than most," Browning said. "She works hard, too. You don’t just walk onto a golf course and make 10-foot putts."

Bucciarelli, the current goalie for the Horseheads lacrosse team, also said his major played a big role in his school choice.

"Adams has a really good five-year MBA program," Bucciarelli said. "I plan on studying International Business and Economics."

Bucciarelli also was looking at Queens College, as well as Assumption College in Massachusetts.

"I really liked Colorado and the (Adams State) campus," Bucciarelli said. "I liked the school when I went out to visit. They’re also putting a lot of money into the lacrosse program to get it to be one of the elite programs."